Browsing by Author "Karell, Laura"

Objectives. The purpose of this research was to examine if there was difference in motivation between classes emphasizing a subject and regular classes. Motivation is the basis of every action and remarkable factor in learning (Jang et. al., 2015; Zimmerman & Schunk, 2008, p. 2–3). Motivation was observed by achievement goal theory and the differences between genders were included. The relation of education of parents’ and children’s academic achievements and placing in different classes were also examined. Parents’ education and school choice has been related to these variables. High educated parents’ children participate more often to classes emphasizing a subject and get better grades. Because of social-economical differences, children concentrate in specific schools and remain in lower position. (Bernelius, 2013; Kosunen, 2012; Kalalahti et. al., 2015). Methodology. This study was a quantitative research. The data was collected randomly as a part of a national learning to learn research from Finnish comprehensive schools. Sample size was 6354 students, out of which 3147 girls and 3207 boys. The data was analyzed by variance analysis and x^2-test. Results and conclusions. There was difference in different classes on academic achievements and motivation. Students in classes emphasizing a subject had little better means in theoretical subjects and expressed more desirable achievement goal variables than students in regular classes. There was also difference in motivation separated by gender. Students in classes emphasizing a subject had bigger proportion of high educated parents than in regular classes.